On a path to sustainability..

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After weeks and weeks of rain, cold and misery, about a week ago suddenly the sun decided we were worthy of her warmth again and spring went into full spin. In just a week or two our little balcony garden/herb box has exploded. Full with colours of the flowers, different coloured herbs and small salad plants. It’s a joy to watch them grow. But it’s a time to also get into gear ourselves, to keep them watered and feed them accordingly. We also needed to fertilize the box with lots of worms and wormjuice (basically worm pee/poo)

Not forgetting to also feed the worms themselves with leftover fruit and veggies, peels and whatever organic rubbish I can find. And with a household of 2 growing boys, two busy parents, there is plenty of that. Happy worms do a lot of good for your garden. Airing the soil, feeding the plants and cleaning up rubbish.

So, I went out into the morning sun to take some photos of our edible balcony. Where space is tight, so you need to use it to it’s full potential. Tall climbers like raspberry, kiwi’s and grapes along the wall and canopy. Hanging strawberries, and bee attracting flowers at the base of the plants. Also acting as a ground cover.

And a herb box, filled with different varieties for companionship growing. Basically we chuck a load of seeds in, and those who thrive best do so by growing alongside companions who support them. We have calendula’s in there, strawberry plants along the edges, so the strawberry’s can hang overboard. Parsley, thyme, dill, mint, chives, basil, sweet violets (great for in salads), marigolds to deter too many insects and somehow even some sunflowers managed to get in there. I’m sure I missed a few, but just to get a general idea.

No need to weed, just harvest when you need and that creates room for more to grow or expand. And of course we don’t want to forget about our animal friends. Only birds in this part of town, but at least something! A nice little hideout. And for the insects an insect hotel.

My first post on this blog! I wonder how I will do… I’ve always been terrible at keeping a diary, which I attempted many times as a child. Now looking back into those diaries (often changing to a new diary of my latest taste) I see many blank pages with now and again an entry apologising for not writing for so long!

But, we are now in a new era! The era of digital technology. No blank pages, as there are no dates to fill! Right up my street! Surely this will turn me into an excellent blog writer. Probably not a daily writer. Maybe not even a weekly writer. But there is no right or wrong in the blogging world!

Now I just need to see if I can find anyone actually interested in my ramblings…! 🙂

Ryo & Jim

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After reading part 1 of the Anastasia - Ringing Ceders books - I couldn't just stop there! They are so inspiring, about the way we can connect with nature on a deeper level again. Just by growing our own food and plants for medicine, while respecting nature and it's powers, will bring us back to our true natures and health, and re-empower us. These books are good reading for the soul.